My hedgehog's eye is swollen and irritated. Is it a vet emergency?

Poor Sonic! He should be seen by a vet as soon as possible. Eye conditions, especially those involving the cornea can be extremely painful. They can also progress very quickly and even result in loss of the eye. Your vet can prescribe antibiotic drops, pain medication, and help any damage to the cornea heal quickly. In the meantime, you can carefully trim his nails to prevent any further trauma he may cause while scratching. I hope this helps and that Sonic gets better soon!

Thanks for your question about your hedgehog. I didn't see a photo attached, but I can picture what you are describing in your post. I am suspicious that your hedgehog may have a corneal ulceration. What this means is that the front of the eye, the cornea, has been damaged. Treatment would require going to a veterinarian who can prescribe antibiotics and pain medications for the eye. Please don't give your hedgehog any human medications, as many of these can be harmful for both the eye, and for hedgehogs. If left untreated, many corneal ulcerations can worsen, become deeper, and eventually perforate. This can result in the loss of the eye. I would recommend having your hedgehog evaluated as soon as you can. I hope that this gives you a place to start, and I wish you and your hedgehog the best.

This is an emergency and you have to take Chibi into a vet now. This is very painful, and he's been suffering for three weeks already. Please take him into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website.

I would have Sandra seen by a vet immediately. She could have allergies or an infection causing the itching. Any eyecondition should be considered an emergency, as leaving it untreated can lead to vision loss. The vet can diagnose what is causing Sandra's eye problem so she can be treated. Please take her into an ER vet or find a vet on call to see her ASAP.

Thanks for reaching out about Taz. Sorry but not photos were included. It sure seems like a veterinary visit is needed, sooner than later. A swollen back end including blood is worrisome, and sign that he is quiet and eating less, is even more serious. You should see a veterinarian tomorrow. Good luck.

Hello. So sorry that Humphrey is having this issue. My initial thought was that your salt solution you made was too strong. I think you may be seeing salt residue that is flaking now that it is dried on his skin. Can you give him a bath and see if that is the case? If not, then he will definitely need to see the vet. If it was just the salt, then you can continue to use that to wipe/treat the eye but make sure your ratio is correct: Put one cup of water and ½ teaspoon of salt into a pot. Put the lid on. Boil for 15 minutes with the lid on (set a timer). Set the pan aside until cooled to room temperature. Carefully pour the salt and water (normal saline) from the pan into a clean jar or bottle and put the lid on to keep bacteria out. If you opt to take him to your vet for an exam I would just take him in when your vet's office is open - you don't need to rush him to an emergency clinic. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Thanks for reaching out about Prickles. A raised blister could be an abscess (inner ear), neoplasm or cyst. A veterinary visit is needed to determine which and to prescribe a treatment plan. Treatment probably has better success if it doesn't continue to progress. Good luck.